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Basel at Christmas, Switzerland

Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise Only

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard MS AmaSiena
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Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. Cologne’s Christmas Market with its impressive Gothic cathedral backdrop; the "Capital of Noël," Strasbourg, with its magnificent great Christmas tree; and Heidelberg’s Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town; are all timeless traditions handed down through the centuries. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.
Explore the famous vineyards of RudesheimAmsterdam by nightView of Strasbourg cityViennaBasel at Christmas, Switzerland
Highlights
  • Visit Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces
  • Ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten
  • Go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting in Rudesheim
  • Wander along Hauptstrasse, taking in celebrations at the town’s Christmas Markets
Activities
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive In Amsterdam, The Netherlands | Embark

Arrive in Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship. 

Day 2: Amsterdam

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your scenic canal cruise. Tall narrow homes along the water, the beautiful wooden Skinny Bridge and the Anne Frank House are a few of the highlights you will see. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam 

Day 3: Cologne, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town. Explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral and then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets located in front of the cathedral. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce. 

Day 4: Rhine Gorge | Rudesheim

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, you will have three choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting. Those who wish to soar high above the vineyards can take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. Or, for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River. Later in the day, you have two more options. Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, home to a remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas Market. 

Day 5: Ludwigshafen

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
You have the choice to explore two of Germany's historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town’s Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can explore one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the “Old Mint” (Alten Münze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom).

Day 6: Strasbourg, France

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town’s famous Christmas Market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg's different districts by bicycle. During the afternoon, visit Gengenbach Christmas Market where every year the locals countdown to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar. 

Day 7: Breisach, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr beautifully dressed in her holiday finery with twinkling decorations and a lively Christmas Market. On your walking tour, admire historical architecture, as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Freiburg, founded in 1120, and home to Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone, as well as its enchanting Christmas Market. Those wishing a more active excursion will want to cycle through the scenic countryside; or go on an excursion to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, as well as home to elaborate cuckoo clocks, striking half-timber houses, ruined castles and quaint towns.

Day 8: Basel | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark your cruise in Basel. 

Ship/Hotel

MS AmaSiena

Fitness Room
Pool

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,599
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E
160 square feet. 4 cabins on Piano Deck with fixed windows.
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D
160 square feet. 8 cabins on Piano Deck with fixed windows.
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CB
155 square feet. 4 cabins on Violin Deck with French balcony.
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CA
170 square feet. 14 cabins on Violin and Cello Deck with French balcony.
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BB
210 square feet. 15 cabins on Cello Deck with French balcony and outside balcony.
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BA
210 square feet. 12 cabins on Violin Deck with French balcony and outside balcon
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AB
235 square feet. 10 cabins on Cello Deck with French balcony and outside balcony.
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AA
235 square feet. 8 cabins on Violin Deck with French balcony and outside balcony.
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Suite
350 square feet. 4 cabins on Violin Deck with French balcony and outside balcony.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Beverages: Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
  • Beverages: Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Personal headset for excursions. 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Laundry 
  • Port Fees

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
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